Three authors, watercolor class coming to Blue Apple Books
MADISON – Dark fantasy, young-adult fiction, a fairy tale and art lessons are scheduled in the next few days at Blue Apple Books.
“Blue Apple Books is thrilled to host the local authors for book signings and author meet-&-greets on June 25 and 27,” store owner Robin Dauma said. “Tickets aren’t required, but an RSVP via the Facebook event page and a book purchase either online or at the event are much appreciated!”
On June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m., Victoria Jansen, debut author of “Ballad of the Banished,” will attend. “When Victoria isn’t writing, she works as a family law paralegal. She lives with her husband, their grown child and their deeply beloved but not-so-bright dogs. She enjoys crochet, karaoke and reading speculative fiction,” Dauma said.
Jansen’s book follows 18-year-old Yrsa, who serves the gods as a Valkyrie, guiding souls of fallen warriors from Midgard to Valhalla’s golden halls. But when she falls in love with a warrior and lets him live, Yrsa breaks the most important law.
The Goddess of Death discovers Yrsa’s defiance and offers a cruel bargain: retrieve scattered pieces of Freyja’s lost armor before midsummer but be exiled from Valhalla, or lose the warrior to eternal torment in the underworld but return to her Valkyrie sisters.
The next author, C.B. Ash, will visit on June 27 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Ash is the creator of the “Legends of the Privateers,” “Windtracer Tales,” “Moonlight Curiosity Mysteries” and “Tales of the Brass Griffin” — four series steeped in highseas adventure, dark fantasy and more.
World Anvil Worldbuilding Awards has recognized Ash’s work for excellence in both presentation and depth of worldbuilding. His kind of characters refuses to stay out of trouble, Dauma said.
His book, “Legends of the Privateers,” promises a fast-paced, character- driven dark fantasy. The story is set in a myth-haunted 18th century, blending swashbuckling adventure with eerie alchemical horror.
Dr. Pedro Sangre thought it would be simple: recover an old book, Codex Luminari, from a half-sunken ruin, survive the swamp, then walk away. The Codex Luminari is stolen; Pedro finds himself at the center of an impossible plot with a horrific conclusion. Unless he can uncover who’s behind it all first.
Author Savannah Foley is scheduled for June 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. “I write Young Adult books with elements of fantasy. I talk about my life, writing and make funny videos on Instagram and TikTok,” Foley said.
Foley’s “Awakened: A Curse of Rose and Snow” is a retelling of “Sleeping Beauty” with a twisting plot, tragic romance and classic fantasy elements that draw on the beauty and horror of the original fairytale. What if Sleeping Beauty woke up and didn’t remember the prince? Who would tell her what happened before the curse?
The heroine, Rose, learns she is the secret last surviving member of the Aerendel royal family. Rose must embrace her growing powers, sort truth from lies and make the choice that could save her world . . . or doom it.
Next on June 27, local artist and designer Shama Patel will be teaching an introductory watercolor painting class from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants will learn basics of using watercolors and will create their own custom bookmark of a watercolor flower with hand-lettered text.
Workshop tickets include professional instruction; all needed supplies to make one to two bookmarks; and a take-home watercolor pencil and pen to practice. Participants can enjoy light snacks and beverages. Blue Apple Books or South & Pine will offer 10-percent off on June 27.
The class is recommended for anyone at least 10 years old. For tickets, visit shopsouthandpine.com, and click “Events.”
Blue Apple Books’ address is 14 Main St., Suite B in Madison. For more information, email owner@shopsouthandpine. com or visit shopsouthandpine.com.
